Chapter 2.6, Problem 2MC

Summary Introduction

To propose:

An experiment to test the hypothesis that formic acid’s low $\text{pH}$ denatures enzymes in fire ant venom.

Concept introduction:

The $\text{pH}$ scale provides a means of comparing relative concentrations of hydroxide and hydronium ions. Acids dissolve in water forming positively charged hydrogen ions. The greater the concentration of the hydrogen ions, the stronger the acid is. Similarly, alkali or bases dissolve in water forming negatively charged hydroxide ions. The stronger a base refers to the higher concentration of negatively charged hydroxide ions.